Stand Up to Disability

A new study finds that standing for just one extra hour a day greatly reduces the risk of disability, especially for retirees. Sedentary behavior, or sitting, is a very strong risk factor for disability and limitations in activities of daily living (ADL). ADL limitations are those that affect a person’s ability to complete self-care tasks without assistance or special equipment, such as getting dressed or bathing.

The research team analyzed data from over 2,000 adults age 60+. The participants were asked to wear accelerometers and to keep a log as means of recording data regarding their time spent sitting versus time involved in standing activities. The records show that the participants averaged almost nine hours of sitting time, during non-sleeping hours, each day. The study also explains that for every additional hour a person spent sedentary each day, the likelihood of an ADL disability increased by 46 percent. This is true even for those who perform moderate exercise.

To reduce sedentary behavior, try standing when you talk on the phone or completing chores such as ironing or folding clothes while watching TV. It’s not too late to stand up against disability!

Source: Dunlop D, Song J, Arnston E, et al. Sedentary time in U.S. older adults associated with disability in activities of daily living independent of physical activity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2013-0311.